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View Full Version : Not Allowed to park in street


Spirit1966
Jul 16, 2013, 05:29 PM
I live in Florida. Recently in my city they have been enforcing an old law that parking in the street is not allowed. They have been dishing out tickets recently left and right. My sister got a ticket for parking in front of my mothers house, while visiting. This old law was put in place years ago, but these days most house holds have more than just two cars. Problem is we can't even have people come over. My neighbors and I would like to do something but not sure how to go about this. Should we get a attorney ? Or is there something else we can do. Thanks

dontknownuthin
Jul 17, 2013, 05:37 AM
I would find out from the city what the process is to request a variance from a statute. You could start with a petition and try to get a majority if home owners on the street to sign that they would like a variance from the statute. For example, maybe parking could be allowed on one side of the street, or during daytime hours.

Every place I have lived has had an overnight ban on street parking and extra cars had to go in the driveway. I would find out why the ban was implemented (snow removal? Abandoned vehicles? Emergency access?) and come up with revisions that would work and be more accommodating to residents. Otherwise you might have to pay for supplemental parking in the area.

dontknownuthin
Jul 17, 2013, 05:39 AM
I would find out from the city what the process is to request a variance from a statute. You could start with a petition and try to get a majority if home owners on the street to sign that they would like a variance from the statute. For example, maybe parking could be allowed on one side of the street, or during daytime hours.

Every place I have lived has had an overnight ban on street parking and extra cars had to go in the driveway. I would find out why the ban was implemented (snow removal? Abandoned vehicles? Emergency access?) and come up with revisions that would work and be more accommodating to residents. Otherwise you might have to pay for supplemental parking in the area.

Just realized you said you are in Florida... just guessing snow isn't an issue, lol!

smearcase
Jul 17, 2013, 06:06 AM
Can't tell for sure if you are saying that no parking at all is allowed or if spaces are always filled and folks are double parking, based on your description of parking "in the street". Do properties on this street have driveways?
Have property owners contacted their elected representatives? However, if it is double parking that would be necessary don't expect that to be approved.
More information on exactly what the situation is would be helpful (are there driveways or not, is it a matter of too many cars owned at each property, are you talking about double parking, etc)

joypulv
Jul 17, 2013, 06:24 AM
I'm finding this law hard to believe. Are you sure it isn't no parking overnight (defined sometimes as 2 - 3 am)?
There is nothing you can do but jam cars into driveways at night. Been through this myself.
And to widen a driveway requires a permit to widen the curb (whether there's a 'curb' or not) and most cities won't give them.

AK lawyer
Jul 17, 2013, 11:53 AM
You need to arrange to create off-street parking. If the city wants to prohibit parking on the street you have no vested right to do so.

N0help4u
Jul 17, 2013, 01:48 PM
Some oridinances say what you are and aren't allowed in your own yard too.

Spirit1966
Jul 23, 2013, 06:55 PM
Thanks for everyone's input. I have lived in Florida for ten years and never new this law existed. Just caught me off guard. I have thought of a petition but so few people are willing to fight. However they will talk tough under there breath. I have spoken to others at work and it's not as uncommon as I thought. I think it's time to think about moving.